Rene Swindley
CO-Founder & director
Rene is a pioneer in the New Zealand insurance industry. From a young age he has led change in the sector including New Zealand’s first fee-for-service full disclosure commercial insurance brokerage, and New Zealand’s first on-demand, online house insurance tech platform. Rene is vocal about the need for disclosure to reduce conflicts of interest, and the importance of technology and automation for the benefit of the customer.
Having graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, and a Bachelor of Management from the University of Waikato, Rene is well versed in the technical aspects of financial risk and insurance.
From the outset of his insurance career, Rene developed a loyal client base, particularly in the technology, construction and legal sectors. His technical expertise, legal training, and determination with insurers has resulted in many successful outcomes for clients. Where other brokers have failed to get claims paid, Rene has influenced insurers to overturn their decisions.
From the inception of Frank, “Our transparent approach has always set us apart from other brokers in New Zealand. It has, and always is. about the client”.
Rene has always maintained that technology can significantly improve the insurance experience for clients. Rene is the co-founder of Initio, an InsureTech that provides digital, on-demand access to residential insurance, including live policy management and smart claims. In addition Rene also lead out New Zealand’s first digitally distributed, on-demand cyber and management liability insurance site, Frankie.
In his spare time, Rene plays representative golf and has numerous community interests. He is a founding trustee of the Kaitiakitanga Trust; a charity that provides youth with the skills to pursue ecological endeavours.
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Laws (specialisation; commercial law, insurance law) - 2009 - University of Waikato
Bachelor of Management (Major; accounting) - 2009 - University of Waikato
PIQ - Practicing Insurance Broker
Awards
Australia and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) - Finalist Innovation of the year (2019) - Initio
Winner Young Insurance Professional of the Year (2018) - Rene Swindley. Learn more
ANZIIF Finalist Underwriting Agency of the Year (2018) - Initio
ANZIIF Winner Small-Medium Broking Company of the Year (2017) - Frank Risk
ANZIIF Winner Small-Medium Broking Company of the Year (2016) - Frank Risk
Speaking engagements
Address to the Insurance Council of New Zealand annual conference 2019 - Meeting the expectations of tomorrows insurance buyer
General Practice Conference & Medical Exhibition 2018 - Cyber risk management in the medical sector
ANZIIF Insurance Conference NZ 2017 - how insurance needs to change - technology lead insurance
Various client conferences and expert panels 2014-2020 on topic of risk management, insurtech, and cyber insurance.
Rene is a registered Financial Adviser, a copy of his Disclosure Statement can be found here.
E: [email protected]
M: 021 246 4846
P: 07 903 5000
Client Testimonials
Tainui Group Holdings
“Frank recently undertook an independent review of Tainui Group Holdings insurance package, focusing on ensuring our existing cover protected and future proofed our kaimahi and business, as it grows and diversifies.
I was impressed at the lengths Anna and Rene went to fully understand and appreciate our operating, cultural and risk environment, which demonstrated the focus they put on understanding the customer and developing relationships. I valued the innovative insights they proposed in structuring our insurance program in a way that protects the business.
I was very impressed with their industry knowledge, responsiveness, personal touch, and recommendations.”
